MOVE 12 · INFORMATION GATHERING · PRO
Ask What Happens If Nothing Changes
Have the other side describe the cost of inaction in their own words, so the status quo stops looking free.
Delay feels free until someone counts what it costs.
Low riskPricingVendor negotiationLeadership alignmentFollow-upGet clarityGain commitment
WHY IT WORKS
Decisions stall because doing nothing seems risk-free. When the other side states the cost of inaction themselves, the comparison shifts from 'your proposal versus nothing' to 'your proposal versus a cost they have named', which is far more motivating than any argument you make.
WHEN TO USE IT
- A decision keeps being deferred without reason.
- The other side treats the status quo as safe.
WHEN NOT TO USE IT
- The status quo genuinely is fine for them; manufacturing urgency is manipulative.
- They are already overwhelmed and need options, not pressure.
SIGNALS IT FITS
- 'Let's revisit next quarter' with no clear trigger.
- They agree the problem is real but take no action.
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Execution guidance is included with Pro.
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Included with Pro
ETHICAL BOUNDARY
Never invent or inflate consequences. If inaction is fine for them, say so.
RELATED MOVES
Content version 1 · Drafted by Power Move IQ Editorial · Not yet human-reviewed · Educational decision support, not legal, financial or employment advice.